[Rumour] Flames to kick tires on UFA Frolik

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Frolik played 81 and 82 games last two years and had 42 points both years. Jones is injury prone, I'd say he'd be an upgrade.

A likely upgrade, sure, but I was comparing contracts moreso than talent or playing style. I think he would be a real solid third liner, but not so sure he is that much of an upgrade on what we have, and 4.5 is a lot of dough for the third line.

I think the UFA crop is so weak, he might get it from someone, but I don't think the Flames need to overspend on a forward, in particular.

[Poe969]

I agree with H20 in that we don't have enough top 6 depth so we'd be betting that one of the rookies would be ready for a top 6 spot. It would be nice if we could move Jones if we were to pick up Frolik.

[cannon7]

Frolik got top-six minutes pretty consistently with the Jets, so 42pts is probably close to his ceiling. That being said, every Jets fan I know would happily take him back. He's not physical at all, so his size doesn't matter much, but he plays a smart game. Jones is at least willing to use his big body from time to time, although not nearly as consistent a player as Frolik.

[calumniate]

If he changed his name to Frotalik I could potentially get on board

[Oling_Roachinen]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

So we would have the following RWs:

Hudler - top line RW
Colborne - 3rd line RW
Frolik - 3rd line RW
Jones - 3rd line RW

I don't really see any of those guys as bonafide top 6 forwards (except huds of course) but would give us good depth down the right side.

I believe Frolik would be a significant upgrade on Colborne. Bonafide top 6 is a a bit of a subjective category, but a 20-20 player is going to be in the top 180 forwards offensively every year. Of the players capable of putting up 20-20, Frolik is probably in the top 40 defensively. If a team can boast 6 better forwards than Frolik, they are in really good shape upfront.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I think Frolik would play better if given 2nd line minutes.

I second this.

Bennett - Backlund - Frolik could be a good mix of offensive skill and defensive responsibility. Frolik is good defensively but I think with Bennett and Backlund he could see a jump in offensive production as well. Plus he can help Backlund mentor Bennett on the defensive aspects of the NHL game.

Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Bennett - Backlund - Frolik
Raymond - Jooris - Colborne
Ferland - Stajan - Jones

[Enoch Root]

I think people get a little too hung up on the top 6, bottom 6 thing.

He is a versatile player who could fit just about anywhere in our lineup, and would solidify our RW depth significantly.

It would also make it a bit easier to trade Hudler, if need be.

[nightfx]

He's basically a winger version of Backlund, wouldn't mind signing him at all.

[transplant99]

I can see Treliving going after this type of player. Someone he believes has more offense to offer if he gets more minutes and who is already defensively responsible. Also Frolik is certainly in the right age range.

[Poe969]

I don't understand why people want Bennett on the wing???? He's a centre and a damn good one. We'd be better off with a third line with Bennett at centre and Frolik on the wing.

[DJones]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

I second this.

Bennett - Backlund - Frolik could be a good mix of offensive skill and defensive responsibility. Frolik is good defensively but I think with Bennett and Backlund he could see a jump in offensive production as well. Plus he can help Backlund mentor Bennett on the defensive aspects of the NHL game.

Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Bennett - Backlund - Frolik
Raymond - Jooris - Colborne
Ferland - Stajan - Jones

Would putting Bennett with two defensive minded guys be a good idea? Or maybe he can push them both to over 0.5 ppg.

If it's a shut down line though just throw Raymond with him

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I don't understand why people want Bennett on the wing???? He's a centre and a damn good one. We'd be better off with a third line with Bennett at centre and Frolik on the wing.

We can't just shove him into the role either. He's played only a dozen games in the NHL. So it seems to be the safe option to stick him on the wing to start the year off. With the expectation that he'll move over to center when his systems play and defensive responsibility are good enough to be a top 6 NHL center.

Putting Backlund in (who is our best possession player and best defensive forward) on his line, as well as possibly Frolik, this could speed the process up greatly.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I don't understand why people want Bennett on the wing???? He's a centre and a damn good one. We'd be better off with a third line with Bennett at centre and Frolik on the wing.

Agreed. If we got Frolik, I would like to see:

Bouma - Backlund - Colborne/Jones
Ferland - Bennett - Frolik

[Caged Great]

The Flames should likely call up every single UFA and both get the #'s they are looking for, but also their interest in playing for Calgary.

If you know they hate Calgary for whatever reason, then you know that it would not be a good fit to trade for them in the future if that becomes a feasibility.

As for Frolik, I wouldn't mind him coming here. I would like if they could grab Stafford as well.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Could either Bouma or Ferland play the off wing?

I wouldn't do it all the time, but a couple shifts a game roll out:

Bouma Bennett Ferland and just hammer the opposition.

[Parallex]

IMO you absolutely do not want Frolik on a line with Bennett. The trend is pretty clear with Hartley teams... young guys get sheltered. If we get Frolik we'll be getting a guy who can handle and thrive in hard minutes so we'd be wasting him on a line that get's the kid gloves.

You either put Frolik with Johnny and Monahan since you'll be taking the kid gloves off with them (Hudler then goes with Bennett and probably Colborne) or you put him with Backlund to make a super-shutdown line.

[Gaskal]

Dammit I knew I forgot somebody. Always happens when I make up a lineup.

I suppose I'd put Bouma with Backlund and Frolik when Bennett is ready to take over second line C. Bouma - Backlund - Jones worked quite well as a shutdown line earlier in the season, and Frolik an upgrade on Jones.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

The Flames should likely call up every single UFA and both get the #'s they are looking for, but also their interest in playing for Calgary.

If you know they hate Calgary for whatever reason, then you know that it would not be a good fit to trade for them in the future if that becomes a feasibility.

As for Frolik, I wouldn't mind him coming here. I would like if they could grab Stafford as well.

From all accounts it sounds like theres some real common ground between him and the Jets to get him re-signed. Would love to get him on the Flames as well if the opportunity presents itself.

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

We can't just shove him into the role either. He's played only a dozen games in the NHL. So it seems to be the safe option to stick him on the wing to start the year off. With the expectation that he'll move over to center when his systems play and defensive responsibility are good enough to be a top 6 NHL center.

Putting Backlund in (who is our best possession player and best defensive forward) on his line, as well as possibly Frolik, this could speed the process up greatly.

Same thing we did with Monahan... He's a natural centre and a good one. Start him on the third line with sheltered minutes and ease him into the role. If he excels, move him up and give him more minutes and more of an important role.

[ForeverFlameFan]

^ Shelter Bennett with 3rd line center minutes. Have Backlund as 2C again until Bennett bumps him down to 3C. Whether that is in the 15/16 season or the 16/17, who knows. Bennett could very well develop faster than Monahan.